Iraq and Iran – My Opinion on Bush and his Gang

February 12, 2005 on 1:45 pm | In Politics | Comments Off
The following is my stream of thought upon Bush’s war on Iraq…my opinions have been formed from extensive reading.  I highly recommend you do the same.  News is more than what sound clips you hear from the president or his Sec. of State…the truth is more than what you read in your newspaper.  I urge you, if you haven’t already done so, to read other materials…visit overseas websites for their news reporting, do some online searches, learn more than what has been neatly wrapped up and presented to you.  These are my opinions: thoughts and conclusions based on my extensive reading.  I may, at another time, as time permits, add more thoughts in additional entries on this page…
 
February 12, 2005
My opinion:
 
Bush’s war on Iraq is one of the most notorious and clear examples of American imperialism in our history. 
 
I say this not from the point of a view of a pacifist; I am not a pacifist.  On the contrary, I believe in fighting for the truth, and firmly believe a strong military is essential to the security of our nation.  But I believe the use of military force is justified only when in direct protection of the United States…and even that may at times be pre-emptive–but rarely.  Except in a state of immediate emergency and threat, Congress should declare war…not one man as president.  Iraq was, even if you were to believe what Bush’s people have told you they believed, not an immediate threat.  Bush could have brought it before Congress to decide whether to declare a war.  Once done, however, people fall in step…afterall, they reason, what can we do now?  Throw more money after bad….throw away more American lives to “justify” all the American lives already lost…when does it stop?
 
Ironically, I believe Bush’s war on Iraq, has made our country even more vulnerable to attacks.  Rather than spending those billions of dollars (and our American military men and women) on making our country safe, he is using it to accomplish his own agenda…an agenda (and war) I believe from my reading, was planned long before the tragic day of 9-11. 
 
9-11 gave Bush a convenient excuse to do what he was going to do anyway.  Now, he had a plausible (or so he calculated) reason to give the American people…a reason he bargained would make most Americans (and it did) give him full support as he sent our military off to be killed and maimed…and for what?  Why not spend those billions of dollars increasing the security of American citizens?  Because, safety of America, is not, I believe, this government’s main concern.  Oh, yes, they often use the words of “freedom,” and “security,” but in reality, neither is a priority to them. 
 
I do not believe Bush cares at all about helping others overseas….I believe giving humanitarian help to people in need is one of the lowest concerns he has.  Bush is no humanitarian in any sense of the word.  He only bestows American aid to foreign nations when the eyes of the world are watching him and he must give a little money to receive international approval.  Bush is a man who takes glee in state-sanctioned executions (regardless of what you believe about capital punishment, one must be disgusted by such humor as he has expressed when someone is scheduled for execution).  A man who would joke about a condemned prisoner, is a man with a dark heart….and a man who does not recognize all human life as valuable.  Thus, I think it is easy for such a man to ignore the deaths of Americans, and certainly the deaths of Iraqis.  Bush does not care about human life.  He may say the right words, but at heart, human life means nothing to him.  Thus, it follows, neither the deaths of our American men and women in the military, and most certainly the deaths of Iraqis (or other foreigners), mean nothing to him.  To him, human lives are expendable if it enables him to complete his agenda.  It’s easy, in my opinion, for such a man to easily send our military into combat…as they die…he sits back and gains the approval of his gang.
 
Based on his track record and all my reading, it appears to me he does things only when it will benefit an agenda…his agenda…the agenda of his associates…and not the agenda he tells the American people. 
 
America should not be in the business of empire building.  Neither, should we under the guise of “spreading freedom” invade other nations.  This is not America’s prerogative.  To do so, as Bush does, is to operate imperialistically…and for Bush, as a dictator.  American military should be strong and only use action when America is directly threatened.
 
Hussein was no threat to America.  He was not a part of al Qaeda.  He was not involved in 9-11.  He, similarly, had no weapons of mass destruction.  Saddam Hussein committed atrocities.  True.  However, there are many other leaders who murder and torture their citizens worldwide, so why did Bush attack Iraq?  Bush changes his story depending on the public criticism of the day–one day he claims our American men and women are dying in Iraq because of 9-11; another day he claims it is to “free” the people of Iraq; another day he claims its because of “intelligence” he was given that Hussein had weapons of mass destruction…perhaps another day he will offer yet another reason to satisfy the questions.  Bush gives us whatever “reason” he thinks will settle the questions that keep arising as more and more Americans are killed…what are they dying for?  Is it “freedom” as Bush says…or perhaps profit?  I believe the latter.  My research has given me reason to believe the invasion of Iraq had nothing to do with the “good reasons” Bush states.  I believe, based on my research, that much of the “information” given to the American public to gain their support of Bush’s war in Iraq was fabricated, full truth was withheld, mere suggestions of who to blame for 9-11 was enough to get the people to rally behind anything Bush would do.  He used your real concern about vindicating the deaths of 9-11 to accomplish his pre-planned attack on Iraq (and will, I believe do the same to invade more Middle Eastern nations).
 
Because of the lies I believe Bush told our nation, he has no credibility with me whatsoever.  Based on the tragic consequences, both to us, and to the Iraqi civilians, and Bush’s inability to provide us with any legitimate reason for having invaded another sovereign nation, I distrust anything he says…and that especially applies when I see him yet again preparing to invade more countries.  Thus, all must ask whose interests are really served by Bush’s pre-emptive attacks?  It is certainly not in the interest of American civilians. 
 
Similarly, Bush and his gang have used the excuse of 9-11 to implement laws against our own citizens, statutes limiting freedoms, taking away due process, etc. and the American people sit back and accept it.  Most Americans are oblivious to the laws now existing that would have been unheard of even a few years ago.  It is, I believe, only a matter of time before our country begins to see how these laws can be used (mis-used) by the powers that be.  Once you give up civil rights, it is rare if not impossible to regain them. 
 
Most Americans are so afraid, they believe any propaganda they are told.  Tell them, as Bush and others of his gang, that they are waging war to protect American freedom…and the people accept it.  Tell them The Patriot Act and their “Homeland Security” is to protect them from terrorists…and the gullible people accept it.  Fear is a an extremely valuable tool for a government to use to control its people.  All free thought and logical examination of the facts disappears from most people when you make them afraid…and it doesn’t take much to control most Americans who look to 9-11 and its horror and then in their fear of more terrorism on our soil accept whatever the president tells them.
 
But I say, people look for the inconsistencies.  Bush is full of them.  Look to how many times he changes his reasons for his war.  If all you read is what appears in the US papers, you are missing an enormous amount of full news coverage.  Take a look at the foreign press…read in-depth books and magazines from all perspectives…keep an open mind before you, too, blindly allow yourself to endorse what Bush does.  Rather than making you safer, his actions are enraging more and more people worldwide against us…his focus on fighting wars against countries that pose no threat to America makes us more vulnerable here on our soil…if only all that money was being utilized to truly make our country safer–right here–we would be far more secure.  Instead, we have even more people, terrorists, hating us…and we are extremely vulnerable, in my opinion, to more attacks similar to that of 9-11.  We are more vulnerable to terrorist because of Bush.
 
If he cared about bringing “freedom” (itself an unjustifiable reason to invade other nations) he’d be looking toward countless other countries worldwide; if he cared about nuclear threats, again there are many others with and developing their weapons that he seems to conveniently ignore; and if he cared about protecting America from terrorists, he’d be far better off protecting this nation’s soil rather than neglecting American civilians by spending our resources in Middle Eastern countries.  Have you considered all the other places we’ve invaded and the results?  We leave nations in chaos and virulent anti-Americanism…they soon are controlled by tyranny again…the murders within their own countries continue…they become breeding grounds for terrorists…and all we have to show for it are dead American troops and billions of dollars spent.   
 
Nuclear threats from North Korea or China are ignored…Bush focuses on countries he believes he can manipulate the American people into accepting as threats to the US, countries he knows our military might can destroy, then proceeds with his military plans only against nations he can destroy by killing its civilians, destroying its cities, and move in and take over.  He will, in my opinion, use any excuse he thinks you will believe.  Fear is his easiest tool to manipulate the non-discriminating thinker…tell the American people that there lives are threatened by someone else and they rally behind him oblivious to the real reasons for Bush’s wars, and likewise oblivious to the heavy toll Bush’s wars will ultimately have on our nation as we become more and more hated worldwide. 
 
Iran?  Do they possess or are soon to possess nuclear weapons?  That is unknown.  But what is known, is that many of us predicted Bush’s imperialistic throes long before he invaded Iraq; and thereafter the likelihood he would then use his “war on terrorism” as the reason to invade (or take military action against) and conquer other nations rich in oil.  He will, I predict, backtrack whenever public opinion begins to sway…then he and his gang will come up with another excuse, cloaked as a legitimate reason, to persuade you to support more and continued overseas military actions.  The nations of his agenda were chosen long ago…his will, I believe, is to invade and conquer for the empire America.  He may not use those words, but his actions speak loud and clear.
 
Do you really want your sons and daughters to die in Iraq…Iran perhaps next…do you want them to remain there for years to come.  Bush has put our military men and women in a death zone…and for what?  Nothing.  At least nothing that will benefit the majority of American civilians.  Terrorists are not deterred by bombs and tanks…they are fueled by it…Bush has disturbed a hornet’s nest…and we will suffer yet more as he makes them angrier and angrier.
 
As more Americans die, so too will thousands of civilian worldwide.  Have you ever examined the number of deaths of civilians–men, women and children just like us–living their daily lives–who have died as Bush’s collateral damage?  What about Iran.  All you hear about is Tehran being presented in war terms…but Tehran and their country is a beautiful land of mountains, some of the best ski resorts in the world, art, culture and so many beautiful children…not unlike life in your neighborhood.  Will they be next on Bush’s list?  And, then what country is next on his list?Perhaps Bush will say he will bring them “freedom,” freedom like America has done for Iraq, Haiti, El Salvador, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosavo, and Afghanistan.  Looking at the horrible situation those nations are in, I believe they do not want such a “freedom” that means in reality death, destruction, and ultimately a return to chaos and tyranny.  In Bush’s “war on terrorism,” he actually creates more “terrorists” (those willing to sacrifice their lives in order to kill American civilians)  by killing more and more other innocent civilians worldwide…who can not understand their anger as they see their families slaughtered by America?  This is a story that goes back for years and repeats itself…look at the hatred our nation incurred because we supported the oppressive evil Shah of Iran..a man who murdered Iranians and lived in luxury while Iranians suffered.  Who can not understand why so much anger was generated toward us?  Likewise, when we bomb and kill thousands of civilians in Afghanistan, Iraq, or lend our support to evil dictators (when it suits our agenda), we can’t help but expect retaliation.  Similarly, we are creating more and more dangerous enemies daily because of the things we are doing against the people of Iraq, and whatever countries Bush may choose to attack next. 
 
America has a history of imperialism.   I was once a person who rejected the use of the word “isolationist.”  I now fully understand it (thanks to Gore Vidal’s work).  It’s not a bad word.  It means, yes, as I believe we must–we can help other nations with humanitarian needs…we can operate as a world family…But we can do so without intervening in military conflicts worldwide that have no threat on America itself.  A president can come up with any number of “good reasons” to send our troops anywhere in the world…whether those reasons are his real reasons or not…with them he can gain support.  But the big question remains:  Should America in its self-righteousness, in its quest for control/protection of oil reserves, and at best in its concern for political oppression (a far stretch based on the regimes we have supported worldwide), declare war on sovereign nations who have done nothing and are incapable of doing anything militarily against us?  For me, that answer is an emphatic No.  The gaining of control of land, oil, military bases, etc. never justifies war.  Only a real direct threat to America justifies war.  And the American people must examine carefully the “reasons” given to them before endorsing a man such as Bush…do not believe only what you are told…research, question, keep an open mind before coming to an opinion…or else, the blood of thousands is, too, on your hands.  Choose again.  Even if you bought into the lies that were told you, choose again.  Is this president really acting in YOUR best-interests?  If you once believed that answer was yes, do you still?  It is understandable that many good people in America believed the war on Iraq was for the best of reasons…but the revelations we now know tell a different story. 
 
Bush is engaged in empire building.  America has no right to militarily attack other nations posing no threat to us.  Bush will not “win” his war, for all he is doing is creating more enemies who hate us.  Retaliation against us seems inevitable.  Invading Iraq will not result in bringing freedom, liberty and their favorite word “democracy,” it will, in my onion, result in more needless American deaths-both our military…and sadly American civilians.  Bush is a man intent on waging a war against the world…sowing the wind for his agenda..with us, the American people, reaping the whirlwind.
 
In my opinion, Bush is a liar, a manipulator, a man who cares nothing about the true safety of our country or the lives of our military men and women…he cares nothing about the deaths of civilians in other nations–people like you and me, with families, who die because of his wars.  I believe Bush will go down as one of the worst presidents this nation has ever had…sadly, the damage to us and to the world will have been done.  Our nation is suffering from his massive expenditures, our men and women are coming back in body bags while many others are maimed for life, we are becoming an even greater target for terrorists, and while our economy suffers, our people fighting and our yet more civilians on our soil may die…Bush enjoys the satisfaction of knowing he’s accomplished a job well done for those who pull his strings…those who got him elected…he is a useful idiot for those whose money controls this country…they gain…we lose.  
 
There are those I believe gain from Bush’s imperialism.  It’s not you or me.  But Bush, I believe,  knows who they are.  Consider the circle of dollars for a war.  It begins with the Pentagon…to the corporations producing the machinery of war…to the banks…to the corporate leaders…  Take a look at Bush’s biggest campaign contributors–look at the contributors to his inaugural party–the list of those who support Bush…isn’t it obvious why?  Their war is profit–for them.  Their war is victimization for us.
 
Invasion of other nations is the anti-thesis of what the principles our republic is supposedly based on.  We should not operate as an empire.  It is the most un-patriotic, un-American action our country routinely engages in.  Ironically, those who oppose such unjustified aggression are often called by such terms, when in actuality they are the true spokesmen for the best of American values…at least America-the way it used to be.
 
What will save us?  Perhaps an economic collapse will wake up the American people…perhaps (and hopefully not) regrettably we will suffer becoming victims of more terrorism on our soil…perhaps we will finally say enough, as more and more of our men and women die overseas or return with permanent injury…Yes, a war is on.  If the imperialists have their way, the war will always be on…somewhere and for some reason…  And, while we suffer the casualties, the winners walk away with profits that only perpetual war can provide them…  Meanwhile, American’s safety is in greater  in jeopardy than ever before both from physical attacks and from the destruction of our rights. 
 
Bush is not waging war on terrorists; he is waging war against us all.
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American Corruption

February 10, 2005 on 11:17 am | In Politics, Spirituality | Comments Off

It is my opinion that the majority of our governmental “representatives” are corrupt; likewise and the causality, I think the
majority of people are corrupt.

The only difference is the amount of power they have achieved, and thus the degree of abuse capable. But in our daily lives, how many of us are lied to, stolen from, cheated, unjustly discriminated against, and betrayed?

The lie is a way of life for most Americans. From small to large examples, most people accept dishonesty, though they may profess
verbally the virtues they actually lack. Appearances are deceptive, as most create a facade for the world to see….but it is in those
moments when they believe no one is looking–no one is aware–that the truth of what lies in the heart is revealed. The line between
choosing the lie (any form of manipulation, cheating, deception for supposed gain-be it emotional, financial, or otherwise) or truth is
one we all face daily. Though we all can err, I regard a corrupt person as one who makes the choice of the lie the majority of the
time. A corrupt person is an enemy of truth.

I think politics particularly attracts the corrupt. Politics, and politicians, should be one of the most honorable career choices, in
reality, I think the majority of those in politics are some of the most dishonorable people in our society. I think the majority of
people in any governmental position are corrupt. The same, too, can be said of the American judicial system. Truth and justice is not the goal.

Corrupt people view politics and government positions, whether at the city/county/state level to the federal, as a means to greater
power…greater money…greater opportunity to achieve their goals (versus the goals of their constituents). I do not agree it is the
power one achieves that corrupts them; I believe the corruption is already in them and thus they seek more power in order to fulfill
their agenda of what they think is in their best interest.

As writer David Brin observed, “It is said that power corrupts, but actually it’s more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane
are usually attracted by other things than power.”

From small towns to large cities to states to the federal level, government offices and the various committees formed for apparently
“good” purposes attract the corrupt for whatever power and security they can then have. I believe it is the exception that such positions are sought by qualified persons with a true desire to be in civil service, just as I feel much giving is done for less than altruistic
reasons.

Many of the what should be positions in which people want to serve and help the people (who pay their salaries) are instead occupied by
people who use the job only for personal gain. Meeting a public servant who truly performs their duty with respect for the citizens is
rare. (I recommend that when you meet those rare persons, that you commend them, and even go farther by writing a letter of gratitude to their supervisor, etc. or a letter to your local paper expressing your appreciation for their service to you as a citizen and to the
community at large.)

My naivety about my brothers and sisters is gone. I realize there are individuals who believe in truth, but I also realize the majority do not. Although I have known associates who are of the mindset that “people are basically good,” I disagree.

I do believe each of is, at heart, at birth, love. Love is what we are–what we are meant to give–and receive. However, birth into this
corrupt society sadly results in many learning the false lessons of conditional love, a focus on differences, judgment and condemnation,
and the many forms of emotionalism that comes with lack of love. Thus, by the time adult hood is reached, corruption to a greater or
lesser degree, has made a home in the heart.
Because of the high degree of corruption (lack of love) in parents, teachers, employers, and others in one’s family and associates, rarely
does one escape seeing that corrupt choices are never justified. The end does not justify the means, but this is the lesson society
teaches.

Examine your life. How many times has someone you trusted lied to you…manipulated you? Did you mother assert dominance over you causing you to this day confusion as you are drawn between wanting to show love/respect to her yet ambivalent because of the awareness of her years of deceit and use/abuse of your emotions and life? Has a
lover betrayed you? Has an employer cheated you? Have you seen others ‘get ahead’ using tactics which are wrong, and yet they seem to
get away with it and prosper? Have you suffered the sadness of seeing
someone you care about hurt by the betrayal of another? Have you struggled honestly to make a living in the midst of others who through other means achieve financial success? Have you voted and campaigned
for someone only to then find out their entire campaign was a lie? Have you been wronged or treated disrespectfully by a “public servant”
who follows the rules without being human about a situation (as in
‘The letter of the law kills; the spirit of the law gives life?’)
And, how many times has someone seemed to be a good friend, and later that very person becomes one of your worst enemies?

Likewise, how many times have you been the one inflicting emotional pain upon someone you said you cared about? How many times have you made a less than honorable decision for whatever advantage you felt it would bring you?

These are the experiences of all. Corruption pervades American society. As Mahatma Gandhi said,”Corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy, as they undoubtedly are today.”

It is, unfortunately, the human condition we as a people have created and allowed. However, I believe in the power of one to choose
differently for their life. The past does not exist. So, regardless of mistakes you have made in the past toward others, you can choose again. Regardless of the mistakes others have made toward you. You
do not have to resort to negative emotional responses nor do you have to acquire their ways as your own. Choose love. Reject all forms of the lie…reject all forms of corruption. Embrace truth.

What happens when you make that choice? Pain. Joy.

Pain because the more you choose truth, the more intensely you will feel righteous indignation on behalf of others who are mistreated as well as for the mistreatment you receive.

Joy because the more you choose truth, the more intensely you will love and be loved…you will for the first time learn, by experience,
the truth that giving is receiving.

Assuming one makes the choice to endeavor to seek truth and express truth, one will feel a strong need for justice (to be distinguished
from revenge). Justice, accountability, is what you desire, and it appears to me that our society (and I can only speak for American
society as I am personally not familiar enough with other cultures) rarely provides justice. Semblance of justice is touted through words
and displays of pride (an emotion to reject), but truth is not valued and rarely exposed. Meaning: Many of the corrupt in our society are able to seemingly get away with their deeds.

How does one respond to this?

1. Never compromise. Regardless of who or how many are making choices, that you, too, could do…resist the temptation. Commitment
to truth–in relating to everyone and anything you say you care about–is necessary.

2. Fight. Courage is needed by anyone who seeks truth, dedicates themselves to truth, works for truth. Courage. Strength. You must
understand that what is right demands to be fought for. One cannot give mere lip service to values of truth/love…one must have
integrity–which is living the life you profess to believe in within your heart and fighting to stop injustice wherever it is found. Apathy is the enemy of truth. When you are victimized, or when others are victimized, when steps are being taken around you toward your
victimization or that of others….is the time for you to boldly step forward and proclaim the truth. Truth is always worth fighting for.

3. You must purge anyone who is corrupt from your life. Again, “corrupt” meaning that the person has decidedly chosen, at this point
in their life, to more often choose darkness versus light; the lie versus truth; dishonesty rather than honesty…it may take any number
of forms, but ask yourself is he/she predominately one who seeks truth
or do they predominately (in matters large and small) seek gain through deceit? We all make mistakes, and mistakes are merely for
correction. Some of the mistakes one can make can be quite serious, still one can choose again, and reject such a mistake. What matters is the heart. Do they remain committed to untruth or are they willing
to now choose truth? If one remains committed to untruth, I feel it
is a serious mistake for a truth seeker to allow such persons to remain in their life. I purge my life of anyone who is insincere with
me. I do not care who they are. If they seriously wrong me or others through deception, when I see a heart committed to lies (even if not directed toward me), I purge them from my life. But if both parties in any relationship are sincerely committed to truth, regardless of the past, I believe peace can be found.

Another observation: The corrupt will protect one another. They join their power to subjugate others to empower themselves. They will conveniently look the other way even when injustice and wrongdoing is
brought to their attention. The system is not based on truth. They will do their best to look as if they “care” about your problem when
in reality they could not care less. All that matters to the corrupt is protecting their job, prestige/reputation, and paycheck. Thy live
lives based on fear of losing whatever they have gained, thus they accept the status quo and will not help put a halt to corruption.
They are not about to help others expose corruption…when they
actually accept it for themselves.

Few people will join you when you step out of the herd mentality of acceptance. It is like the man in the fable who saw the emperor had
no clothes, yet all around him the masses hailed the emperor as he rode past in his nakedness as if he was regaled in elaborate robes. Why would the people behave as if the emperor was elegantly
dressed…because they knew that was what they had been told and were
expected to do. Their eyes were no longer made for seeing, rather
they saw what they wanted to see. (This is the phenomena we see happening in America today…after relentless propaganda about a
supposed “war on terrorism,” many people really believe our government is taking actions to protect the people, when in my opinion, I think they are taking actions benefiting their agenda. Just as I advise all
to question the validity of any relationship in which someone lies to you, certainly we must hold our government to that same
accountability…once trust is broken, everything a person or a governmental regime does is then in question for their motives can no
longer be blindly or faithfully regarded as being in your interests.)

If you courageously choose to expose corruption you may prevail…you
may loose. But in the process, others will also come to know the truth. Your devotion to truth will shine and more will come to know
of your integrity, ultimately leading to positive opportunities and trust from those who may have a way to assist you. But, most
importantly, your actions have taken you out of the apathetic majority who allow corruption to take place. As Horace Greeley said, “Apathy
is a sort of living oblivion.”

Choose truth. Be strong. You who have chosen not to be victimized in
your spirit prevail in life in ways the corrupt never experience…And, it is only those who fight, who win. You will never win the
battle if you do not fight. But, again, even if you loose a battle, I do believe in the end, you will win the fight.

It’s a fight for integrity. It’s a fight for yourself and the rights of others. It’s a fight that builds your character, your spirit, and
I believe it is a way of life that ultimately leads to a personal fulfillment the corrupt never experience.

I believe the corrupt, though we can see they benefit materially from their choices, never experience true joy in their lives. Personally,
I believe a choice for living in the truth brings joy greater than worldly items can provide.

The apathetic, the weak–so afraid of fighting for the principles they
claim to believe–are corrupt as well. To allow corruption is to
condone it. The prevalence of corruption in our government is due not
only to those people with power, but with every person who does not
speak up for the things they believe–every person who sits idly by
even though they oppose what they see is happening–every person who
chooses to remain quite so they can ‘fit in’ with the crowd. Do not
let fear do your choosing between right and wrong. Whatever the issue
may be, your voice and work for what is right is needed.

Courageously fighting when necessary or refusing to be a part of
corruption, will enable you to see clearly. You will no longer be as
vulnerable (if at all) to the deceits and lies told you. You will
have lived according to the values in your heart. You become one of
the few in this society with integrity.

If you believe in truth. Speak it. Work for it. Never accept anything less.

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Truth – On a Personal Level & National

February 1, 2005 on 11:15 am | In My Life, Spirituality | Comments Off

I dedicate my life to truth. “Truth” defined as the reality of the situation.

Truth is rare. Our society, families, and relationships are encouraged to predicate interactions upon falseness, if we think the truth will hurt. I reject such insincerity. Whether as a nation or one a one-to-one basis, I believe the truth should be told among those we say we seek peace with–no matter the consequences. I believe in any conflict, if both sides are dedicated to truth, peace can be found. Rarely, however, are both sides of a conflict dedicated to truth. Often each creates a façade as if they want peace, when in actuality they are thinking only of what ultimately they think will give them the advantage they seek.

For those of us who seek to live in truth, how can we determine if we are doing so or if our actions are motivated by less than worthy motives? For even a seeker, can make the mistake of believing they are taking actions based on truth, when emotions unrelated to truth are influencing our behavior and we may not be cognizant of it.

I do not believe that one should withhold the truth because it may hurt someone’s feelings or make them otherwise emotional. On the contrary, the greatest gift we give a friend is honesty. Do not tell them what you know they want to hear; tell them the truth-for it is what they need to hear. It is a great expression of caring for a friend when they learn they can trust you to tell them truth–even if it hurts. Sometimes it is the objectivity of another that can remind us of what we know already know deep inside–but the words of another lovingly expressing that truth can enlighten us, remind us, of it. The truth will always set one free. Be that light for those you know, and endeavor to actively listen when another, whom experience and time has shown you can trust, gives you constructive criticism or analysis. Listen, ponder, and then decide if it is true or not…or perhaps there is an element of awareness in it (perhaps weakened by another’s attempt to interpret for you), yet an element, not necessarily correctly interpreted by your friend, but nonetheless fundamentally an area you need to reexamine has been brought to your attention. Likewise, be that for those you care about. Share, in heart o heart conversations, what you se and perceive–but try not to interpret unless asked.

On a national basis, I despair at the lies I believe my country tells not only we the people, but the lies it puts forth in hopes to deceive the international community. America’s face it hops the world sees is far different from its actual operations.

Political scientist Michael Parenti, author of To Kill A Nation: The Attack on Yugoslavia and Inventing Reality: The Politics of News Media, expressed it this way, “The enormous gap between what US leaders do in the world and what Americans think their leaders are doing is one of the great propaganda accomplishments of the dominant political mythology.”

One of the clearest examples of this is its constant proclamation that America wishes to bring “democracy” to the world. No matter what military action it takes, no matter who they invade and how many civilians are killed, America will always proclaim it is doing for that country’s own good. In reality, America has a long history of both imperialism and supplying, “…arms, security equipment and training to governments and armed groups that have committed torture, political killings and other human rights abuses in countries around the world,” as Amnesty International eloquently expressed in 1998. If the U.S. truly cared about human rights and freedom, it would not engage in dealings that are politically expedient at the time with those who are dictators–yet this is precisely what it has done for years. Take the Iranian hostage crisis, why did the Iranians have such rage toward Americans? A reading of the torturous murderous rule of the Shah, supported by the U.S., and it is easy to understand why they viewed us their enemy. This is no isolated example, for it is the policy of the U.S. to give aid to anyone, no matter how tyrannical and dictatorial, no matter what atrocities they commit, if the U.S. deems they’ll gain a political and financial gain from it.

I have come to the conclusion at this point in life, that only a very few value truth. It is rare to read the truth, much less hear anyone speaking truth. People lie to their acquaintances, family, friends, employers…the people of our government lie to us and to the world…the commonality: The desire to create a false picture of who they really are–their motives, goals, weaknesses. Fear that if the truth be known, it will not be well received. But for one who believes in truth, the consequences are of no concern. You realize that to live a life of integrity requires truth. Further, you must require of all those who relate to you. It is a serious mistake for one who endeavors to live in truth, to allow those whose lives are anything but honest, to be in your life. Strength is needed to purge all from your life who do not share to a significant degree of your belief in truth. There is no area for compromise. Permitting liars or manipulators to remain in your life is one of the worst choices you can make in life. Chose again.

Choosing truth as your priority requires courage. It means expressing truth not only in your personal relationships, but being willing to expose the lies of the powerful in our society. Often, all it means is stating the obvious. People need to hear the truth spoken to come back to their right minds amidst the propaganda hurled at them daily. But some, when hearing the truth boldly stated, again remember what they already knew or felt, and they then become another instrument of truth in a society built on the lie.

Personally, I speak and write what I believe to be the truth always. I take every opportunity to share the knowledge of a situation I have learned for the benefit of others; likewise, I endeavor to remain in the truth in my relationships. Sometimes, this has meant purging my life of those whose belief in the lie was fundamental to their existence. Seeing this in them, sometimes being the recipient of their lies, and being aware of their lies to others, made me choose to purge them from my life. I do not let them return. I believe this is the healthiest action to take regardless of the person’s relationship to you…and, yes, it also means purging family members from your life is they have consistently lied and manipulated. You must first love yourself before you can love others. Loving yourself means keeping anyone who lies, deceives and manipulates out of your life–regardless of who they are and regardless of what you think society thinks you should do. For example, many people feel obligated to a parent just because it is their parent. But, sometimes, due to a parent’s egregious wrong doing toward an adult child, an adult child needs to muster the courage to reject such a parent from their life. For your own well-being–mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, you must purge your parent from your life or else reduce the time you allow them to have of your life. A parent can make mistakes, and our respect for them can make allowances for it, but any parent who habitually lies, deceives, manipulates, causes stress and emotional pain in their presence, and seeks to control constantly (whether in outright deeds or through sarcasm, etc.) cannot be tolerated. Such parents use guilt to control their adult children….all the while they take glee when they sense the pain and stress they have caused you. Thus, for me personally, I believe one must allow into their lives only those persons who are trying to base their life on truth…being honest with you…and when they make mistakes are truly sorry. Likewise, I allow no one in my life whose life I can see is based falseness.

Also, in regards to personal relationships, you must always be truthful with yourself. Do not lie to yourself about another’s true feelings just because acknowledgment of who they really are will be painful to accept. Emotion must be kept out of your decision making when truth is your goal. And only relationships based in truth will be healthy, rewarding, joyful in your life.

Politically, it means speaking out against the lies, hypocrisy, and manipulation we see being perpetrated upon us by our government. It also means deciding not to choose “between the lesser of two evils.” No longer can we cast votes and campaign for those we suspect are little better than their opponent. For change to occur, on a personal basis or national, it requires those dedicated to truth to never compromise.

Truth means being willing to admit your mistakes. If you have wronged someone in any way, swallow your pride, and express your remorse. As a nation, it means admitting when we, too, have made a mistake. I am reminded of an on-air conversation I had with a radio show host who became extremely upset at my position that the films of any U.S. torture or misconduct overseas should be released for the world to see. His position was that doing so might increase risks to our military men and women in combat because it may anger those who identify with the victims of such mistreatment making them all the more intent against Americans; my position was that courageously allowing the tapes to be seen through the media internationally along with a public statement of renouncement of such wrong, telling the world the U.S. does not condone such mistreatment would be the best thing we could do. I believe the U.S. should not cover up our mistakes, but rather shine the light of truth on them, for all to see. It shows what we stand for. So why does our country often not do what is right….why does it lie to us and to the world? Because it is afraid of what will happen if the American people and the international community would think if the true agenda was known. Anyone, any country, any leader, and doctrine or dogma, any business, any government entity, that you identify as lying should be rejected.

Truth means living the values you profess. A truth seeker not only is willing to share their views, but works actively for them. They are not passive. They do not accept status quo. They work to create the change they speak for.

My greatest respect is for those courageous individuals who speak truth, live truth. To me, one who endeavors to live in truth, recognizes, too, that they will make mistakes…sometimes believing one thing to be the truth and later realizing they were believing in a illusion. A truth seeker will then reject their previous stance, openly admit it, and go forward stronger. A truth seeker realizes each of us are human beings, whose thoughts and opinions can be affected by emotions, and thereby a truth seeker tries to base opinions and relationships on the facts they can ascertain. They are ready to admit if they later change their minds n an issue. They must be receptive to the truth, willing to consider opposing viewpoints carefully, before coming to a conclusion.

One of the surest tests, if you will, one can give themselves to see if a held position is based on truth or illusion is this: Ask yourself–Do I ever become angry, irritated, verbally abusive, agitated, or otherwise upset if someone challenges one of my beliefs or opinions? The truth needs no defense. Meaning, one who sincerely is seeking the truth of any matter, will never become angry when their belief system is challenged. Rather, they will calmly respond, calmly listen, and calmly state their feelings and knowledge on the matter. But, if you or someone else, becomes obviously upset emotionally–is unable to remain calm–then that is a sure sign they are responding not from truth from falseness….from their ego. The ego always tries to defend its beliefs. The ego is completely opposed to knowing what the truth of a matter is. Instead, the ego just wants to be “right.” Anytime you see someone who becomes upset when someone has a different viewpoint than them, it means they are not dedicated to the truth but to their ego. Within yourself, see emotional agitation as a warning sign to yourself. Re-examine your response. Correct your response to one of actively listening (or reading) what anther has to share, then after more fully examining an issue, determine what you believe to be the truth. Being a truth seeker means being strong and courageous. True courage is never provoked into emotional upset simple because someone disagrees with them.

In your personal relationships, your spiritual beliefs, your political beliefs, seek truth. Listen and read with an inquisitive mind. Question everything. Be courageous in speaking truth. Expect/require truth of others. Value truth above all.

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